- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
- 2103390838
- 2421022988
Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic examination of the cervical canal and the endometrium using a thin camera called a hysteroscope. The instrument is introduced through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. The tube has a diameter of less than 3 millimeters, and its passage allows for precise real-time visualization of the uterine cavity and the tubal ostia on a monitor. This enables the gynecologist to examine the inside of the uterus with a level of accuracy that other methods cannot provide.
The magnified and direct view of the cervix and endometrial cavity makes the examination more reliable and more accurate than ultrasound, CT or MRI scanning, or dilation and curettage. During the same session, operative hysteroscopy can also be performed under local anesthesia if needed. A polyp or fibroid can be removed, and a tissue sample can be sent for histological evaluation. Based on the hysteroscopy findings, the physician will determine the most appropriate treatment for each case.
Indications for hysteroscopy include:
Hysteroscopy for the evaluation of uterine bleeding is performed in a hospital setting under light anesthesia (conscious sedation). General anesthesia is not required; however, the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
The process is simple and minimally bothersome for the woman — not during the procedure itself, but possibly for a few hours or days afterward. The timing of the hysteroscopy is specific; therefore, proper scheduling is important. It is typically performed after the last day of menstruation, ideally between the 6th and 10th day of the cycle. As mentioned earlier, mild analgesia is administered, allowing the woman to remain conscious and able to watch the entire procedure, magnified, on a monitor.
Post-procedure discomfort is similar to menstrual pain for 1–2 days and can be managed with simple pain relievers. Light spotting may occur for 1–2 days after diagnostic hysteroscopy , and for 1–3 weeks after operative hysteroscopy . The intensity is mild and does not significantly affect daily activities.
Hospital stay rarely exceeds 4 hours, after which a woman can safely return home and resume her normal routine.
If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation, the woman will need to fast for a few hours beforehand, avoiding both liquids and solid foods.
Depending on the nature of the procedure, additional preoperative tests may be required, such as a complete blood count.
Hysteroscopy is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced medical team using modern technology. The post-procedure period generally does not require any special precautions, apart from a few basic recommendations such as temporarily avoiding sports or strenuous physical activity. Additionally, a woman should refrain from sexual intercourse. Any bleeding should have completely stopped before resuming sexual activity.
The benefits of hysteroscopy extend beyond the treatment of abnormalities within the uterine cavity. It also offers significant advantages for women who are planning to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is an extremely simple and safe procedure that allows for immediate diagnosis, while also contributing substantially to increased IVF success rates and reduced miscarriage rates.
Modern techniques used in hysteroscopy ensure the highest possible level of safety. The most common complications, however, remain bleeding and discomfort, both of which are temporary. Overall, hysteroscopy continues to be one of the safest diagnostic and operative procedures in gynecology.
During your consultation, your doctor will discuss all potential risks in detail and answer any questions you may have regarding the cost of the procedure. For more information, please contact us.
